The Autry partners with Service Systems Associates to create a contemporary culinary destination with an innovative menu

The Autry National Center has selected Denver-based Service Systems Associates (SSA) to operate the main cafe, satellite units, and catering services for the Los Angeles-based museum with its 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts representing the diverse people of the American West.

The thoughtfully selected culinary offerings at our cafe and catering operations will help immerse visitors in a sensory experience of the American West

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) February 08, 2013

The Autry National Center in Griffith Park selected Denver-based Service Systems Associates (SSA) as its culinary operator. Through a competitive bid process, a joint venture between SSA and local partner Centerplate was awarded the contract to operate the main café, satellite units and catering services for the Los Angeles-based museum with its 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts representing the diverse people of the American West. SSA’s management team will oversee the day-to-day culinary operations at the Autry on behalf of the joint venture.

Stacy Lieberman, Vice President, Communications and Visitor Experience at the Autry, said SSA was selected based on their significant experience in cafe and catering operations, their breadth and depth of resources and their commitment to providing excellent customer service. She added the museum is delighted that the team is committed to renovating the site and updating the facility into a contemporary and inviting destination.

“SSA is always seeking to incorporate into our operations the unique brands and dining experiences of the museums where we do business,” said Tim Brantley, SSA Senior Vice President and COO. He added that under the guiding hand of Corporate Executive Chef Travis Kight, SSA will introduce menus paying homage to the people who originally conceived the flavors of foods often unique to the American West.

Lieberman also said this concept appealed to the museum as it will help develop a signature cafe destination that appeals to museum visitors as well as to draw a clientele of its own. She said, “We anticipate that with the experienced team and its creative Executive Chef, Derek Healy, we will meet the needs of diverse visitors, young and old. The thoughtfully selected culinary offerings at our cafe and catering operations will help immerse visitors in a sensory experience of the American West.”

SSA Regional Manager Greg Edgar said this partnership is very exciting, as the culinary services are an important part of the museum’s rebranding efforts. “We are working together to help the museum appeal to a broader audience,” he added.

Edgar shared that the menu will feature plated meals, soups, and other dishes influenced by the convergence of cultures in the American West. He said like the art surrounding it, the food will be simply created, honestly presented and wholly enjoyed.

The 120-seat restaurant will be accessible by both museum patrons and the general public. Edgar said they expect to meet this new challenge and make the Autry a popular culinary destination not only for those visiting the museum, but for those who want a unique special event catered experience.

While visiting the museum, guests enjoy a unique and enriching experience as they explore the diverse stories, myths, and realities of the American West in the permanent galleries and changing exhibitions. The museum’s collection includes the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, one of the largest and most significant in the United States. More than 150,000 guests visit the iconic museum, which is located across the street from the Los Angeles Zoo.

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ABOUT SERVICE SYSTEMS ASSOCIATES

Headquartered in Denver, Service Systems Associates manages retail and culinary departments at museums, botanic gardens, zoos and aquariums in the United States, including the Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Dallas Zoos, Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, History Colorado Center, Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry and Monterey Bay Aquarium. The company is a national leader in guest service operations for cultural attractions, serving over 17 million guests annually. For more information, please visit http://www.KMSSA.com.

ABOUT THE AUTRY
The Autry National Center is a history museum dedicated to exploring and sharing the stories, experiences, and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West. It was formed in 2003 by the merger of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage with the Southwest Museum of the American Indian and the Women of the West Museum. Located in Griffith Park, the Autry's collection of more than 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts includes the collection of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, one of the largest and most significant in the United States. The Autry Institute includes two research libraries: the Braun Research Library and the Autry Library. Exhibitions, public programs, K–12 educational services, and publications are designed to examine the contemporary human condition through the lens of the historical Western experience and explore critical issues in society. For more information, please visit http://www.theautry.org.